New Zealand Christians in Science connects Christian scientists and resources the church, students and the wider community on faith and science.
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What do we do?
NZCIS holds a full programme of lectures, webinars, seminars and conferences. These happen both nationally, online and in various locations around the country.
Explore our Upcoming Events
For information about Past Events
Vision
In both the academy and the Churches science and theology are discussed appreciatively and respectfully. Science and faith are discussed in numerous venues and young scientists and theological students seek out these conversations at least in part in dialogue with Mātauranga Māori.
Our mission
NZCIS celebrates the interface between the natural sciences and Christian theology. It supports and promotes a holistic, evolutionary understanding of cosmic and biological history, in dialogue with and informed by Christian faith. Within those parameters we seek lively dialogue and wide-ranging investigation of the sciences and theology. We invite open dialogue and partnership with Mātauranga Maori and those of other faiths. And we seek to partner with all those working to heal the earth and to live more lightly on it.
Our Values are grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and expressed in this unique setting
Christian: We seek to enter into these discussions as faithful followers of Christ.
Scientific integrity: We value rigour in scientific research and openness to the findings of science about God’s creation.
Respecting the Treaty: We are committed to live as tangata Tiriti in Aotearoa and we are open to the journey this will take us on.
Diversity: Individual members hold a variety of positions. We promote vigorous discussion between members characterised by grace, humility and love as we seek the truth, and an expanding vision of the gospel and the cosmos.
Exploratory: We remain open to the new paths exploration will take us on, committed to the truth but allowing for diverse exploratory pathways.
Goals:
We will support Christians who work in the fields of science, defined here as biological sciences, physics and cosmology, psychology, medicine, engineering, technology and mathematics.
Encourage discussion on matters of faith and science within universities, theological colleges and churches by .
- Educating and mentoring students and professionals in issues of intersection between the Christian faith and science
- Working actively with university and seminary students, to promote integrative reflection and study
Engage the public on issues of theology and its interplay with science by:
- Promoting dialogue between Christians and scientists within New Zealand society
- Promoting the integration of science and faith to the Christian churches of New Zealand.
The Board of NZCIS:
- Project Directors – Dr Graeme Finlay and Dr Nicola Hoggard Creegan
- Board Chair – Christina Partridge
- Treasurer – Dr Philip Church
- Trustee–Sean Cleary
- Dr Jacob Martin
Staff:
- NZCIS Director Dr Nicola Hoggard Creegan. Email: admin@nzcis.org.nz
- Grace Cox, administrator Email: grace@nzcis.org
- Emma Belcher, Student Liaison Email: emma@nzcis.org
- Rev’d Greg Holmes, Churches and Schools, Nelson Email: revgtholmes@gmail.com
NZCIS Advisors – view HERE
- Dr. Ruth Barton: University of Auckland
- Professor Grant Gillett: Otago University–Anatomy
- Professor Gareth Jones: Otago University–Anatomy
- Emeritus Professor Carolyn King: Waikato University
- Professor Jenny Salmond: Auckand University –Geography
- Professor Helen Nicholson: Otago University –DVC
- Associate Professor Philip Pattemore: Otago University Medical School in Christchurch
- Emeritus Professor George Seber: Auckland University –mathematics
- Professor Andrew Shelling: Auckland University Medical School
- Associate Professor John Stenhouse: University of Otago
- Professor Jeffrey Tallon: Victoria University –physics
- Dr Zachary Ardern: Technical University of Munich –evolutionary biology
Our Sponsors
John Templeton Foundation:
A Philanthropic organization that supports scientific and theological research on a range of topics and encourages informed dialogue among scientists, philosophers, and theologians.
Wilberforce Foundation:
A New Zealand foundation established to support faith-based organizations working towards making a positive impact on local communities.
Maclaurin Chapel:
The Maclaurin-Goodfellow Board donated Maclaurin Chapel to the University of Auckland and oversees and funds the chaplaincy work at Maclaurin Chapel.
Our Partners
NZCIS is partnered with similar organisations around the world on an informal basis. (Click on the image to link to their website)
Theological and Natural Sciences in Aotearoa (TANSA):
This organisation represents theologians who are interested in the intersection between faith and science. Our seminars and conferences are run jointly with TANSA.
A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand:
Part of the international Christian environmental conservation organisation, A Rocha.
Christians in Science in the United Kingdom (CIS):
This is the United Kingdom version of NZCIS and supports scientists with faith.
The Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology (ISCAST):
ISCAST is an Australian organisation dedicated to exploring the interface between science and the Christian faith.
The American Scientific Affiliation:
An US-based, international network for Christians in the sciences.
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion:
A United Kingdom society based in Cambridge, England, focusing on academic discussions around faith and science.
St Barnabas Anglican Church:
An Anglican parish in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul:
A Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington.
St Johns church, Wellington
A Presbyterian church focused on inner-city mission in Wellington.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland:
An Anglican church governed and directed by Cathedral Council.
Professor Joseph Bulbulia:
Maclaurin Goodfellow Chair in Theological and Religious Studies.
Diversity
We are committed to deepening our relationship with Māori and with other faiths. We are open to suggestions for speakers and topics. We have already entered into dialogue with the Muslim Chaplain at the UoA about the formation of a new inter-faith group interacting with science on campus.
Our members often contribute to journals and blogs:
- Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science
- Theology and Science
- Faraday papers
- Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith
- Biologos
- Faith and thought
- Science & Christian Belief